Recently, I had the cumbersome task of returning some ridiculously heavy tables to our church storage shed. I had borrowed them for a garage sale the week before, and was finally able to bring them back. My neighbor kindly helped me lift the hefty metal monsters into my mini-van and then I headed down the road alone.

Unorganized as usual, I hadn’t bothered to call ahead to let anyone know I was coming. I just assumed someone at the church might be available to help me unload my hefty cargo. Half way down the road, however, I thought I should probably ask the Lord to provide some assistance.

“Hey God! It would be really great, if I could get some help with these tables. I’m not sure I can manage them on my own. Thanks!”

As I pulled into the drive, I noticed that there were a lot of cars in the Church parking lot. It dawned on me, that the Ministry staff was probably in the middle of their weekly leadership meeting.

I popped my head into the office, just long enough to confirm my suspicion. Not wanting to interrupt an important gathering, I decided to proceed with my task alone.

“I guess I’ll see how strong I really am!” I thought foolishly, as I parked my vehicle in front of the outdoor shed.

Straining to pull the first table out the back-end of my vehicle, it became abundantly clear that this was probably NOT a good idea. My lower back was starting to scream at me, and I hadn’t even managed to pull the first table completely out of the van.

But I stubbornly pressed on.  As I struggled to lift and prop the unwieldy table up against the shed wall, I quickly realized that I was going to need help. There was absolutely no way that I was going to be able to do this job alone.

As if on cue, the Church’s back-door opened. A young man employed by a daycare center that is housed within the facility during the week, just happened to walk outside at that very moment. I’m sure he saw my clumsy tussle with the table, and figured that it was a battle that I was not going to win. Without hesitation, he graciously offered his assistance.

I was beyond grateful for his kindness and thanked him profusely. But, as I climbed back into my van, I couldn’t help but say an even bigger thank you to my Heavenly Father. Once again, He faithfully provided for me in my exact moment of need.

As I drove away, I was reminded of how significant it is to pray in ALL circumstances. Obviously, it’s important to petition God for the major issues in our lives. We often turn to Him in times of desperation. Or we may remember to thank Him for the major victories that we are blessed to experience. But what about the everyday aspects of life?

We may wonder if God really cares about our small and seemingly mundane requests.

I’ve learned that when we come to Jesus, even with our little questions or concerns, we are building into a deeper relationship with Him. First of all, we are acknowledging our need. We are also displaying our trust that He can meet our needs and fulfill our desires. Finally, we are inviting Him to participate in the everyday moments of our life.

In fact, I believe that this Is exactly where God most desires to relate with us!

This experience also reminded me of the importance of praying with faith. Do I really believe that God is able? Do I pray with expectancy, looking forward in anticipation for the creative ways that He is going to meet me in the moment?

I have learned that when I pray with expectancy, God shows up. He doesn’t always answer in the way that I want or expect. But He is always present, no matter the outcome. He celebrates with me in my triumphs. He comforts me in my moments of despair. He gives me strength when I feel weak. He reminds me who I am, especially when I am feeling lost or confused. And He carries me, when I feel like I can’t take another step on my own.

When I pause to pray, I am not only recognizing the powerful reality that God is present. I am also inviting Him to move within my heart and mind. For instance, I may earnestly appeal to God to favorably adjust my current circumstances. However, sometimes the most profound shift that occurs, is a shift in my own limited perspective.

It’s amazing how our Heavenly Father will begin to realign our desires and priorities. And when our desires are in line with His desires… God doesn’t disappoint! Jesus promised, “if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Friends, our God is so faithful. He is MORE than able. And He’s longing to meet us in the everyday moments of life.

The question is, will we choose to meet with Him?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7